Instagram’s December 12th Event: Could Messaging Your Pals Be a New Feature?

GigaOM reports that Instagram is looking to boost its success with over 200 million users to include “private messaging features” and is also playing with the idea of integrating “group-messaging.” In more recent news, AllThingsD reports, “Instagram has invited reporters to a press event in Manhattan on Dec. 12″ with no details about what the event may be.

It could mean a Christmas upgrade is in order.

Instagram, looking to maximize downloads in a time where many people will be receiving new smartphones as Xmas presents, might spring for the new messaging feature.

The move would also be an intelligent play against Instagram’s competitior, Snapchat, who recently turned down some 3 billion dollars in an offer from Facebook. Google also reportedly leaped at the chance to buy the quick-and-disappearing picture service at 4 billion bucks.

Seems like an interesting development, but Instagram may do better to preserve its slick, minimal interface that so differentiates from other social networking apps. Time will tell.